June 15 American League-hosted interleague probable pitching matchup capsules

Have hitters figured out Rangers Japanese rookie Yu Darvish? He has been hit around in his past few starts but gets to face an Astros team that was just the victim of a perfect game by the Giants’ Matt Cain. Bet on Astros-Rangers and every game at WagerWeb.com.

Colorado at Detroit – Rockies LHP Jeff Francis (0-1, 21.60) vs. Tigers LHP Casey Crosby (1-1, 9.35): Francis’ return to the Rockies, after spending last year with the Royals and beginning this year in Triple-A with the Reds, saw him allow eight runs in 3 1/3 innings in a loss to the Angels. Last year, Francis was 0-2 against Detroit with a 2.21 ERA. … The Tigers used Monday’s off-day to push back Crosby’s start a few days, slotting him back home, where his two previous starts have taken place. He beat Cleveland with 5 1/3 innings of three-run ball June 7, but has had off-and-on trouble with walks.

Pittsburgh at Cleveland – Pirates RHP James McDonald (5-2, 2.39) vs. Indians RHP Justin Masterson (2-6, 4.76): McDonald’s command was off in his last start, and he allowed three runs on five hits and two walks in only four innings. Still, McDonald is yet to allow more than three runs in a start during his breakout 2012 season. … Masterson took the loss in his last start against the Cardinals on Saturday but also threw his seventh quality start of the season. He allowed one run on five hits while walking none. His lone mistake was a solo shot by Carlos Beltran.

Philadelphia at Toronto – Phillies RHP Vance Worley (3-2, 3.00) vs. Jays RHP Drew Hutchison (5-3, 4.66): Worley continues to make his way back from an elbow injury. He allowed five hits and one earned run in six innings in a 6-4 loss in 12 innings to Baltimore on Saturday. He threw 93 pitches, so he should be able to go a little further this time. … Hutchison pitched well Saturday against the Braves aside from giving up a pair of home runs. He has shown good command since coming up from the minor leagues in late-April. He has 48 strikeouts and 19 walks in his first 58 innings with the Blue Jays.

Miami at Tampa Bay – Marlins RHP Carlos Zambrano (4-4, 3.55) vs. Rays LHP Matt Moore (3-5, 4.59): Zambrano’s last start was cut short due to stiffness in his back. He woke up feeling tight and the tightness got worse as his outing wore on against the Rays. He lasted just 2 1/3 innings and gave up seven runs. Of his 57 pitches, 30 were balls. … Moore will try to repeat last Saturday’s performance against the Marlins when he pitched six scoreless innings before surrendering four runs in the seventh when he had a big lead. The rookie left-hander is 2-3 with a 4.37 ERA at Tropicana Field.

Houston at Texas – Astros RHP Jordan Lyles (1-2, 5.40) vs. Rangers RHP Yu Darvish (7-4, 3.72): Lyles took the loss against the White Sox on Saturday after he allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits over 4.1 innings Saturday. It was the first time this season he had failed to make it out of the fifth inning. … Darvish is 0-2 with a 6.17 ERA in his last two starts. He is 5-0 with a 3.38 ERA in five starts at home. Opponents are hitting .188 off him with runners in scoring position. This will be his first start against a National League team.

Milwaukee at Minnesota – Brewers RHP Yovani Gallardo (5-5, 4.21) vs. Twins LHP Francisco Liriano (1-7, 6.45): Gallardo has won three of his past four starts, including a strong outing against the Padres on Sunday. Gallardo needed a lift after a strange previous start against the Cubs in which he struck out 10 but allowed five runs. … Liriano pitched well for five innings before it unraveled in a three-run sixth inning against the Cubs on Sunday. The left-hander ended up allowing four runs on four hits and three walks (one intentional) over 5 2/3 innings while striking out six.

Arizona at LA Angels – Diamondbacks RHP Trevor Cahill (4-5, 3.36) vs. Angels RHP Dan Haren (4-6, 3.73): After struggling with his new team in May with a 4.14 ERA, Cahill has turned the corner in June. In two starts, both wins, the 24-year-old has thrown 16 1/3 innings and surrendered just two runs. … Haren will face his former club for the first time since a July 2010 trade. He’s 2-1 in his last three starts, giving up an average of 2.3 runs

San Diego at Oakland – Padres RHP Anthony Bass (2-6, 4.38) vs. A’s LHP Travis Blackley (0-2, 4.97): Bass was chased after giving up four runs in the sixth on Sunday against the Brewers. He said it’s a reoccurring problem. The righty hasn’t made it through the sixth since his last win on May 15, when he went eight innings. … Blackley allowed five runs on seven hits over 4.2 innings in Tuesday’s loss to Seattle.

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